Bencao Gangmu Reference Library
西印度醋栗 / 刺酸模 / 醋栗叶下珠 / 星醋栗 — Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels (syn. Cicca acida)
Pinyin: Xīyìndù Cùlì / Cì Suānmò · Malay: Cermai / Pokok Cermai / Buah Cermai · Family: Phyllanthaceae (叶下珠科)
Energetics
Cool (微寒 / 凉)
Flavor
Sour, astringent, slightly sweet (酸、涩、微甘)
Meridians
Liver (肝), Lung (肺), Stomach (胃), Spleen (脾)
Traditional Edict
Star Gooseberry (Cermai / Buah Cermai). Cauliflorous clusters of 6- to 8-ribbed pale yellow-green sour fruits. Fruit awakens Spleen and quenches summer-heat; leaves and roots calm Liver fire, lower high blood pressure, and relieve bronchial asthma.
Cautions & Contraindications
- Extreme sour acidity in raw fruits (moderate intake in active peptic ulcers). High culinary and clinical safety profile. Contraindicated in cold watery diarrhea without heat signs.
Clinical Applications
- Stage 1 essential hypertension (vascular eNOS vasodilation), functional dyspepsia with anorexia, acute bronchial cough with thick sputum, and urticaria/pruritus washes.
Quality Markers
Mechanism & Phytochemistry
1. Hypogallic acid and caffeic acid stimulate endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, producing smooth muscle vasodilation and arterial pressure reduction. 2. High Vitamin C and organic acids stimulate salivary/pepsin secretions. 3. Saponin bronchospasmolysis.
Preparation & Dosage
THE SOVEREIGN CERMAI ANTIHYPERTENSIVE LEAF TEA: 15 to 20 g dried Cermai leaves boiled in 500 mL water for 15 min; taken twice daily for hypertension. Fresh fruit: 5-10 fruits eaten raw or pickled for appetite and thirst. Root decoction: 10-15 g for asthma.
Appended Prescriptions
- 1. The Sovereign Cermai & Misai Kucing Antihypertensive Synergy with Orthosiphon stamineus. 2. Spleen-Awakening Digestive Broth with Zingiber officinale and Honey.
Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only